VA Linux Systems, a company that sells computer and support services geared towards the Linux operating system, has announced that it has acquired Andover.Net, a network of websites that provide Linux and Windows information. The acquisition will be a combination of cash and stock worth approximately $813 million.

JOEL'S OPINION
It looks like the folks at Slashdot are about to become millionaires–again? The terms of Andover.Net's acquisition of Slashdot never made it to press, but if they weren't millionaires yet from their previous acquisition, this new one is sure to guarantee them that status–or very close.

Andover.Net currently has a number of other sites in its network that deal with other topics besides just Linux. I wonder if VA Linux Systems will sell those off in order to create a more cohesive, Linux-only network?

This acquisition creates a new type of player in the Linux market. VA Linux Systems will not only provide computers and support services but now it will also have a network of Linux-centric websites to help disseminate its information and grow its following.

I'm always surprised when one public company buys another. I'm especially surprised in this case because I was thinking that Andover.Net would buy a computer company, not the other way around.

When Slashdot was purchased by Andover.Net, fans of the site were afraid that some of the content on Slashdot would be compromised. Since the acquisition, Slashdot has shown that it is capable of being owned by Andover.Net and still retaining the same style that it always had as a private, self-funded website. I'm sure this acquisition won't change that at all.